Atlas Smiles Dental, Dentist in Wheelers Hill

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There are several different types of dental fillings, and our dentist will discuss which is best for you depending on the location of the restoration in your mouth, the extent of the repair, whether you have any allergies, and your budget. 

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam (or silver) fillings combine silver, copper, tin and mercury to create a strong and stable filling material. It is durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive compared with other materials. Amalgam fillings are recommended for restoring teeth further back in the mouth and out of sight due to their dark colour.

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are made up of acrylic resin and finely ground, glasslike particles. This produces the most natural appearance for your restoration. Composite fillings provide durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-sized restorations that withstand moderate chewing pressure. These fillings don’t last as long as other types as they are more prone to wearing over time.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are tooth-coloured and easily bond with tooth tissue. They slowly release a fluoride over time to help prevent decay under and around the filling. These look natural, as they can easily be made to suit your tooth colour, but they are not recommended for loadbearing teeth as they can wear easily. 

Gold Inlays & Onlays

Gold fillings are custom made in a laboratory before being cemented into place. They work well with gum tissues and can last more than 20 years if taken care of. Gold is considered the best filling material, but it is often the most expensive option. 

Porcelain Inlays

Porcelain fillings have a similar cost to gold and are also produced in a lab before being bonded to the tooth. They are a popular choice due to their ability to be matched to the colour of the natural tooth and their stain resistance. 

 The benefits of dental fillings include:

• A quick, straightforward procedure that usually takes an hour or less
• Helps maintain the strength of the tooth
• Generally inexpensive and may be covered by your dental insurance
• Long-lasting dental restoration
• Stops the spread of decay by cleaning the area and preventing bacteria from entering the teeth and causing infection
• Restored tooth function
• Reduced risk of oral health complications
• Matched to the look and feel of the surrounding teeth

Seeing your dentist twice a year for general checkups is imperative for detecting signs of decay as early as possible.

When treated early, addressing decay is straightforward, less expensive, and typically easy to recover from. Left untreated, decay can lead to serious complications such as infection, pain, or tooth loss.

Early on, tooth decay may not include any symptoms, making it important to attend regular dental visits. Our dentist can detect the early signs of tooth decay, even before you notice symptoms.

It is also important to contact our dentist right away if you notice possible signs of a cavity such as:

• New sensitivity to cold or hot foods and beverages
• Tooth staining or discolouration
• Cracks or holes in a tooth
• Toothaches

Once you have your appointment scheduled for a dental filling, knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help put you at ease.

First, it is important to relax and remember that a dental filling is a virtually painless, fast, common procedure. Dental fillings are an effective way to restore function to your tooth and support a healthy smile.

If you experience dental anxiety, be sure to let our dentist know. At Atlas Smiles Dental, we do everything possible to keep you informed, comfortable, and supported through any procedure. Advancements in dental equipment have resulted in sophisticated technology, quieter drills, and more effective anesthetics, meaning dental fillings are more comfortable than ever.

Before your filling, our dentist will discuss your health history, allergies, current medications, and any concerns you have. Our dentist will also educate you on the different types of dental fillings and advise you on what type of filling will be the most beneficial for you. Dental fillings are typically completed using composite, porcelain, or amalgam materials.

Your dentist will let you know about any side effects to watch for, what medications are permitted, how to care for your filling, and what to expect as you heal.

You may want to purchase soft foods ahead of time to eat for the first few days after your filling. It is also important to note that talking will be difficult for the first few hours after the procedure.

The procedure is non-invasive and is often completed in less than an hour. The exact time of treatment will depend on the severity of the decay, the area being treated, and how many teeth are being treated.

Here is what to expect during the actual dental filling procedure:

1. Anaesthetic Application

Before the procedure begins, your dentist will numb the affected area to keep you comfortable and as pain-free as possible. This is done with an injection of a local anaesthetic or a topical gel. For patients with extreme dental anxiety, ask your dentist about sedation dentistry.

2. Preparing the Affected Tooth

Once the anaesthetic kicks in, your dentist will use a high-speed dental tool to remove all decay. Your dentist will take great care to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible. The area is then disinfected and thoroughly dried.

3. Applying the Dental Filling

Once the area is prepared, cleaned, and dried, your dentist will apply the filling material. A special light is then used to harden the material.

Once the material hardens, your dentist will polish the area to ensure the filling matches your bite and looks and feels natural and comfortable. Your dentist will also have you bite down on a piece of carbon paper to ensure your filling lines up with your bite properly.

Each filling takes approximately 15 - 30 minutes from beginning to completion, depending on how long it takes for your anaesthesia to take effect. 

After your dental filling, you will be given detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent damage to the filling.

It is important to continue a good oral hygiene regimen that includes daily brushing and flossing to maintain your new filling.

• Be careful talking, drinking, and chewing until all numbness wears off so you do not accidentally bite your tongue or cheek
• Contact your dentist immediately with signs of infection or damage
• Use mouthwash with fluoride
• Follow your dentist’s aftercare regimen and recommendations closely
• Ask your dentist if a follow-up appointment is recommended
• Consider avoiding extremely cold or hot foods or drinks until you are completely healed

Dental fillings are a common, straightforward procedure. Side effects are typically minor and short-lived.

After a dental filling, you may experience some slight discomfort, numbness, tingling, tenderness, teeth sensitivity, or minor swelling. You will also want to wait to eat until any numbness wears off. Talking, eating, and swallowing will likely feel odd until the numbness goes away.

Teeth sensitivity after a dental filling is normal and usually goes away within a few weeks.

After a dental filling, the main risks include damage to the filling or infection. Side effects are rare, but it is important to watch out for the warnings signs of complications, such as:

• Wheezing
• Bleeding
• Fever
• Infection
• Excessive pain
• Swelling
• A filling pulling away from the tooth
• A broken filling

Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any of these signs of complications after a dental filling.

If you want to help prevent dental fillings, follow a good oral hygiene routine:

• See your dentist twice a year for general checkups so your dentist can detect signs of decay as early as possible
• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
• Brush using gentle, circular motions and a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
• Follow a low-sugar, balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, high-quality protein, and whole grains
• Floss every day
• Use a fluoride mouthwash
• Avoid the use of tobacco products
• Avoid excess alcohol consumption
• Do not chew on hard objects (i.e. fingernails, pencils, ice cubes, pens)

The life of your filling is dependent on the material used, the restoration location in your mouth and how well it is looked after. Composite, glass ionomer and porcelain fillings are expected to last up to 5 years, amalgam fillings can last up to 15 years, and gold fillings can last over 20 years. 

Dental fillings are a common dental procedure that helps us restore our teeth to their normal function and shape. It’s no secret that these fillings can wear out over time. However, what happens when you start experiencing some pain or discomfort from an old filling? Can you replace them? Our Dentist in Wheelers Hill will explore everything you need to know about replacing old dental fillings and why it’s important for your oral health.

Wear and Tear

Understanding that dental fillings have a limited lifespan is essential. Dental fillings are usually composed of either a combination of metals called amalgam or a blend of plastic and glass known as composite resin. Amalgam fillings may last for 15 years or more, whereas composite resin fillings typically last for 5-10 years. Nevertheless, the longevity of a filling may be affected by several factors, such as its placement in the mouth, the standard of dental care, and teeth-grinding tendencies.

If fillings deteriorate or sustain damage, you may experience symptoms such as sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, pain when biting down, or visible damage to the filling. Seeking immediate advice from our dentist in Wheelers Hill is crucial if you encounter any of these symptoms. Our dentist will examine your fillings and decide if they require replacement.

Cracks and fractures

Dental fillings can also crack or fracture due to trauma or accidental biting on hard objects. When a filling cracks, it can create a space for bacteria to enter the tooth, leading to decay or infection. In addition, a cracked filling can cause sensitivity or pain in the tooth. If you notice any cracks or fractures in your filling, it’s important to visit our dentist in Wheelers Hill to evaluate whether it needs replacing.

Cosmetic Reasons

Some people choose to replace their old fillings for cosmetic reasons. Fillings made from amalgam or gold can be visible when you smile or talk, which can be undesirable for some people. In addition, some prefer to have their old silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored composite resin fillings to improve the appearance of their teeth. Talk to our dentist about your options for replacing them If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your old fillings.

Recurrent Decay

Dental fillings can last for many years. However, they are not immune to decay. It’s likely that you’ll need to replace your cavity if you have a filling that has developed a new cavity in the same tooth. Recurrent decay can occur if the filling has worn, damaged, or has gaps between it and the tooth. Our dentist will need to remove the old filling and any decay before placing a new one to restore the tooth.

Tooth pain after receiving a dental filling is not unusual, and it is a temporary discomfort that should go away on its own. The temporary pain can also be triggered by certain activities such as clenching the teeth, brushing, or flossing. It can also be triggered by other factors, which include:

• Taking hot or cold foods and beverages
• Breathing in cold air
• Taking foods or drinks that are high in sugar
• Taking acidic drinks such as coffee and juice

Sensitivity in your restored tooth is expected for approximately a week or two. Our dentist may prescribe you some painkillers and antibiotics to avoid infection. Otherwise, over-the-counter painkillers can help to manage the pain. Ongoing pain after two weeks is rare and it is recommended that you seek advice from our dentist should this occur. 

It’s normal for teeth to have some mild pain for a few days following a dental filling. Therefore, a visit to the dentist might not be necessary. However, visit the dentist if:

• The pain is too much and unbearable
• The pain hinders you from eating or comfortably moving your mouth
• You are experiencing other symptoms, including fever, rashes, or redness
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The symptoms above indicate that you might have another underlying condition that requires treatment.

Here are some of the possible reasons you might have abnormal tooth pain after a dental filling:

Inflamed or Irritated Nerve

The tooth-filling procedure is invasive. It typically requires an injection to numb the area around the tooth, drilling out the decay with a dental drill, and finally filling the resulting hole. With this, there’s a chance that one can develop inflammation around the nerve inside of the tooth. In most cases, this happens in deep fillings where our dentist has to drill deep close to the nerve end. However, the pain or discomfort should ease in a few days.

Change or Misalignment in Bite

It’s normal to experience a little sensitivity when biting down after the dental filling procedure, but the bite will usually correct itself in a few weeks. However, you might experience more pain if your filling sticks out. This can cause difficulties when eating or closing your mouth.

Pulpitis

This is the inflammation of the pulp. Pulpitis is the connective tissue that forms the center of the teeth. Pulpitis results from multiple invasive dental restorations, advanced cavities or trauma. There are two different types of pulpitis which include reversible and irreversible. Reversible pulpitis is where the inflammation experienced in the pulp is mild and can go away on its own or be treated with a simple filling. Irreversible pulpitis is where the nerve is severely damaged and cannot heal on its own. It will require a root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

Allergic Reaction

The tooth pain may also be caused by an allergic reaction from the dental material the dentist used to fill the cavity. You may experience some tooth sensitivity, itching, or rashes.

According to the Australia Dental Association (ADA), millions of dental filling procedures are performed across Australia each year. From these statistics, you can deduce the fact that dental fillings are a common dental procedure at any dentist’s office. Here at Atlas Smiles Dental, our dentist performs dental filling procedures on a daily basis. Other statistics show that, on average, a person has at least three dental fillings in their lifetime. For this reason, let us explore some of the dos and don’ts after a dental filling procedure. 

DO:

Talk to your dentist

It is of utmost importance that you talk to your dentist after having a dental filling procedure. In case you have any questions about caring for the fillings and what you can and can’t do after having dental fillings. At Atlas Smiles Dental, we care about our patients and try our level best to foster a friendly environment where you can freely ask questions. Our able and friendly team is happy to address any concerns that you may have.

Take prescription pain medication

After a dental filling procedure, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, which may make you uncomfortable. That is why it is important to religiously take the prescription pain medication that your dentist will recommend. These will help relieve pain and sensitivity after your dental filling procedure.

Chew with the other side of your mouth

While your dental filling site sets or heals, use the opposite side of the filling site to chew food so as to avoid damage to the site.

Check your bite

It is possible that during a dental filling procedure, the dentist might add too much material to the filling site that may interfere with your natural bite. Be sure to check your bite after the dental filling procedure to ensure that there are no high points on the filled tooth. If you notice any abnormalities in your bite, be sure to inform your dentist about it.

DON’T:

Take any food or beverages until the anaesthetic wears off

While the anaesthetic is still in effect, you are advised not to take any hot beverages or food as you may unknowingly damage the filling site. Wait until the anaesthesia wears off before you can take food or beverages. This ensures that you are not putting any unwanted pressure on the filling site that may cause damage.

Take hard or chewy foods

Some fillings take time to set, so it is important to wait some days before taking any chewy, hard, and sticky foods. Such foods may damage the filling and cause other dental problems in the process.

Grind on your teeth

Teeth grinding can be detrimental to the durability of your fillings. You should try as much as possible to desist from grinding your teeth after having dental fillings. However, if your teeth grinding is involuntary, you may want to seek alternative treatments such as mouth guards to wear while sleeping.

• Dental fillings are used to restore worn or damaged teeth
• There are several filling materials available depending on your needs and desires
• The tooth filling procedure is fast and you won’t feel a thing
• Practising good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice a day, can prevent the need for fillings.

Although dental fillings have a relatively long lifespan, they may require replacement due to wear and tear, cracks, recurrent decay, or cosmetic considerations. If you have an older filling that shows indications of decay or damage, it is crucial to schedule an appointment with our dentist to assess whether it needs replacement. Our dental professional can recommend the most suitable filling material for your needs and provide you with guidance on maintaining excellent oral hygiene to keep your teeth and fillings healthy. Schedule an appointment with Atlas Smiles Dental today for a dental filling replacement! 

Dental fillings are a common dental procedure for treating tooth decay. The sooner decay is detected and treated, the better. Addressing tooth decay right away cuts down on pain, cost, and future complications.

If you are concerned you have signs of tooth decay, have been putting off dental treatment due to dental anxiety, or have questions about dental fillings, please contact us.

Our team of friendly, caring dental professionals is here to answer all your questions or help you schedule a consultation.